Assayer

Position: Assayer (02)

Employment Category: Permanent

Location: Uganda

Position Summary:

Operate a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser to determine gold purity (karat/fineness) and elemental composition of gold samples (dore bars, scrap, concentrate, final bullion). Ensure accurate, rapid analysis to support production, buying, and quality assurance

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

·       Prepare gold samples, clean, flatten, and ensure representative surface for XRF analysis.

·       Operate handheld XRF analyser (e.g., Bruker, Olympus, Thermo Scientific) per standard operating procedures.

·       Measure gold purity (%, karat) and detect trace elements (silver, copper, platinum, etc.).

·       Run calibration checks and verify standards daily; maintain instrument logs.

·       Record assay results in batch sheets or digital database; generate certificates of analysis.

·       Report out-of-spec results or anomalies to production/smelting team.

·       Assist in reconciliation of gold input vs. output (mass balance).

·       Maintain XRF analyser, battery care, window cleaning, routine maintenance.

·       Follow all safety protocols (radiation safety, sample handling, PPE).

·       Keep assay lab clean and organized; manage sample retention Perform any additional related tasks as assigned by supervisors or management.

Education & Experience:

·       BSc in Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry or BSc in Metallurgy/Materials Science or BSc in Geology/Mineralogy or Diploma in Analytical Chemistry/Practical lab skills, instrumentation.

·       At least 2–3 years experience in financial record-keeping, preferably in gold trading.

·       Operating XRF on gold, silver, or other metals (scrap, dore, bars).

·       Sample preparation (cleaning, surface grinding, homogeneity checks).

·       Calibration and standard verification.

·       Recording and interpreting results

·       Knowledge of matrix effects and interferences

·       Quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) procedure

Core Competencies:

·       Proficient in XRF operation and basic calibration.

·       Understanding of gold purity standards (karat, fineness, hallmarks).

·        Basic computer skills (Excel, database entry).

·       Attention to detail and numerical accuracy.

·       Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Working Conditions:

·       Environment: This role is 100% based in an industrial processing plant or gold room.

·       Work is performed near high-temperature furnaces (exceeding 1,000°C/1,800°F) and involves exposure to molten metal, heavy equipment, dust, and chemicals.

·       Schedule: Full-time station employment and off station where necessary.